David Swigon

Assistant Professor

Department of Mathematics

Alfred P. Sloan Fellow

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University of Pittsburgh
Department of Mathematics
519 Thackeray Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15260

swigon@pitt.edu
Tel: (412) 624-4689
Fax: (412) 624-8397

My research interests are in the application of continuum mechanics, dynamical systems theory and stochastic processes in molecular biology.

DNA mechanics

I have developed micromechanical models of DNA elasticity that combine atomic-scale and continuum mechanics approaches with recent advances in computational chemistry and employ information obtained by X-ray crystallography, single-molecule manipulation, and other experimental techniques. Part of my research program is oriented towards continuum modeling of complex macromolecular assemblies and the application of stochastic and deterministic dynamics in the study of molecular biological processes.

Mathematical Immunology

I am interested in the development of mathematical models of human immune response to influenza A virus infection and the relation between immunity and inflammation. With my collaborators we have developed an ODE model for individual response, and an ensemble model capable of characterizing probabilistic outcomes of treatment scenarios.

Cell Migration

We have developed a mathematical model of migration of enterocytes during intestinal wound healing process that is based on novel assumption of elastic deformation of the cell layer and incorporates cell mobility, adhesion and proliferation.